Stakeholders′ Mental Models of Soil Management for Food Security in South Florida.

The United States Department of Agriculture reported that between 2007 and 2015 food insecurity in the United States rose from 11.1% of the population to 13.7%. In 2050, the United States population is expected to reach 458 million: increasing the national food demand. To meet the increasing food demand and to decrease food insecurity, sustainable soil management is necessary. This study used mental models to explore extension communication of sustainable soil management with farmers, extension agents and scientists. Mental models are perceived systems of how the world functions held by individuals that determine how the individual interacts with the world. Mental models are used in natural resource management to improve stakeholder communication. Effective communication occurs when stakeholders′ mental models overlap. The study site is located in the Redlands area, south of Miami, FL and is a major producer of tropical fruits and vegetables for the United States. The economic impact is valued annually at $800 million. Interviews, and transect walks are used to collect data on the soil management belief systems of stakeholders (n=40). This data was then used to construct mental models of soil management relating to food security. The mental models of stakeholders are compared to understand technology development and dissemination. Emerging themes include phosphorous management, soil microbial inoculants, urbanization and food import pressure. This research may be used to improve technology development and the dissemination of sustainable soil management.